I think I got a bad batch of Monster Clay :( PLEASE HELP!

[Lily]

I was so excited to get this clay since everyone here seems to use it, but frankly I am finding it impossible to work with. When I first opened the tubs, I noticed there was a layer of what looked like unmixed wax on the top (translucent, almost like parafin), which I thought was weird. I tried digging some out of the tub with one of my sculpting tools (since I started bleeding after trying to dig a bit out with my nails, not fun) and couldn't get the tool to make more than a dent. So I decided to try softening it in the oven according to the directions on the package. It said that after 45 minutes at 165F, the whole tub should be melted. Tried that. The edges were melted and the top layer was kinda soft but about 1inch down the clay was still completely solid and COLD. So I tried an hour at 200, the maximum temp they recommend. Same issue - melted edges, cold and solid in the middle. I can get it to soften up a little bit with a blow dryer, enough that I can sort of scrape it around with my tools, but actually SCULPTING with this stuff seems pretty much out of the question.

I've worked with some hard clays before but nothing like this. It also feels really weird, grainy and almost dry, which is not what the product description leads me to believe is normal.


Composed entirely of non-toxic, food grade components, Monster Clay® has an ultra smooth formulation that features a low melt temperature and a low tack feel that will not stick to tools or fingers. Monster Clay has high plasticity and has a unique elastic quality much like soft taffy when warm. At average room temperature Monster is firm enough to capture even the finest details and can be re-used and re-melted indefinitely. Monster Clay melts easily to a pourable consistency and is great for making copies of life casts where changes are needed.

It's definitely not melting at low temp, and it IS sticking to my tools and fingers. When warm, it's more like canned frosting than taffy, and has never gotten pourable no matter how much I heat it up.

Has anyone else encountered these problems? Did I get a bad batch or am I doing something wrong?

[ShyMer]

Have you contacted monster makers? Where did you purchase the clay from?

[Lily]

I sent Monster Makers an email earlier today. I bought the clay on Amazon, so it shouldn't be too much of a hassle to get a refund. Return or exchange could be difficult, since I can't get this stuff off my project board :( The amazon vendor was American Fine Arts Supplies, but not MM itself.

[Mermaidmechanic]

Thats really weird. The monster clay I have is not at all grainy or dry. Its kinda waxy and even if I heat it slightly it immediately becomes more pliable. It kinda sounds like it hasn't been mixed? Definitely return it. D:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Yeah, that's really strange. I can stick my whole tub in the microwave for 5 minutes on high and the whole tub will be smoothly melted.

[Mermaid Momo]

I don't think you can get a refund from MM if it wasn't sold by them. Try contacting the seller. I'd suggest only buying directly from the MM website in the future because who knows what the seller could have done or how they stored the clay.

[Lily]

You're right, I definitely should have bought straight from MM. Shipping from Amazon was like $20 cheaper so I thought I'd save a few bucks... my mistake.

I've contacted the vendor directly and told them I'd like either a refund or new clay (if they can assure me of its quality!).

[Mermaid Momo]

I feel ya. I was tempted to buy some off of Amazon too, but I decided only to do it if the seller is MM themselves going through amazon.

[Lily]

So I contacted the Amazon vendor from whom I purchased the clay and OMG they have pretty much the best customer service ever. They've initiated a full refund! I'm probably going to go buy more Prima, which I know I love working with, but I need to do a test with my materials first to make sure it won't melt during the molding process.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

I use Plastalina clay. Can be bought from hobby lobby in 4.5lb blocks or from DickBlick in larger amounts. great price.. easy to work with and sulfer free. I used it resently with the silicone belt project I am working on.

[AniaR]

Dickblick???? Lol

[Triton-Mahtlinnie]

It's an art supply store chain. Also just called "Blick." They mostly carry the high-end stuff. Useful when I need a block of Plastalina or a tub of RD-407 latex. Or Jacquard paints/pigments

[AniaR]

*giggles like school girl *

[Lily]

Lol I know, silly name but it's seriously a great place to get art supplies. They carry a lot of high end stuff but their store brand is pretty good as well. I don't buy paint or canvas anywhere but Blick. (Well, Utrecht, but I don't live near one anymore.)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

If you think DickBlick is funny, try living in a town with furniture stores named things like BadCock, AdCock, and HanCock. Seriously people, it's like they're in a competition for the worst cock themed name.

[Starfrit]

I live like an hour's drive away from the beautiful fishing town of Dildo. :P

[AniaR]

*falls over giggling*

[Mermaidmechanic]

Well this topic turned left pretty quick. lol

[PearlieMae]

I love telling people that Dick Blick decided to drop their 'Dick'.

[Lily]

I laugh every time I hear a commercial for Dick's Sporting Goods. They've really embraced it, too. Plenty of thinly veiled dick jokes.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

*shakes head* oi vey

[Mermaid Kelda]

Sorry, further de-railing because you all have to see this Australian ad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7y6iE0aB5s

[Goldie1471]

And it was all going so well, until the "Dick Smith" advert - very funny but it was a bit sentimental for me as the more famous Dick Smith passed away recently last year http://www.dicksmithmake-up.com/dicks-work/dick%E2%80%99s-film-tv-credits-and-photos.aspx and ironically if it wasn't for him there probably wouldn't be a market for powermesh and silicone.

As for the monster clay, yeah i use it and it can seperate with a milky clear top layer if heated but i have not had any problems other than some white thicker specks of probably pigment that needed blending into the clay.

[Sabrina the Selkie]

*actually a school girl, definitely giggling like one*
But yes, Dick Blick (lately just Blick, even on store fronts and labeling) is really great.